Which way to sleep when pregnant is a very common question we get asked here in the clinic.
During pregnancy it is recommended to sleep on the left side due to the following:
1. Is the best position to keep blood flowing between mum and baby. Better blood flow also means less inflammation associated with strained muscles.
2. Mum’s heart doesn’t have to work as hard: Gravity helps the heart pump blood around the body as your main artery that pumps blood (aorta) arches to the left. When you lay on your left, the aorta is pointed down which helps blood flow easier with the natural help of gravity.
3. Protects mum’s liver from being squashed.
4. less chance of reflux (heart burn): The junction of the stomach and throat( esophagus) is higher than the level of stomach acid. This helps keep stomach acid in the stomach and from going up into the throat
5. Improves Digestion: Allows digestive enzymes (break down food) to flow easier. Gravity helps food pass into your large bowel.
6. Supports your system that returns blood to your heart (lymphatic system). Blood drains to the left side of your body through the thoracic duct, so lying on the left lets gravity to assist in the return of blood to the heart. This may also assist in less swelling of the ankles which can occur during pregnancy.
7. Helps prevents snoring: Helps keep the tongue forward and airways from being blocked from the tongue. Snoring occurs when air vibrates between your nose and back of your throat.
8. Relieves pressure from the back and spine: Best to also have a pillow between your knees to help keep your pelvis straight and your back muscles relaxed. This way you can wake up in the morning with a better chance of feeling refreshed.
Please feel free to contact one of your friendly chiropractors, if you would like more information on how to sleep when pregnant.
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